Car Or Motorcycle? Pros & Cons To Consider

If you’re on the brink of making your next vehicle purchase, you probably already have an idea of what you’re going to buy. It’s especially safe to assume that you know the type of vehicle you’re going to buy. If you’re a car driver, you’ll be looking for a car. If you’re a motorcycle rider, then you’ll be looking for a motorcycle. It just makes sense; you follow the same pattern that you always have.

However, it’s worth pausing for a moment and questioning whether you are making the right decision. Motorcycle drivers, have you really considered what it might be like to transition to car ownership? Car drivers, have you thought about making the switch from four wheels to two?

If you’re curious about a change in vehicle type — and you have, or are willing to obtain, the right licence for either vehicle — then it’s worth examining the pros and cons before you fully commit to your next purchase.

Cars

Cars are by far the most established kind of vehicle. Roads are designed with cars in mind, so you’ll have an easier driving experience for the most part.

Cars provide all-weather protection; you have a roof, so you don’t need to worry about the heat of the sun or rain splattering your suit on your commute to work. You also have the option for climate control via the car’s electronics; something that motorcycles cannot offer.

Cars are generally safer than motorcycles. Accidents of the past have led to constant developments in car safety and technology; not only are cars now built to withstand impacts well, but AI innovations have allowed cars to be safer than they ever have been before. Motorcycles don’t offer this same level of protection, as there is little that can be done about the fact the person is always more vulnerable due to not being contained within a metal exterior.

Cons

Cars are far more expensive to both purchase and maintain than motorcycles are. If you’re on a budget, or looking to cut your costs, then switching to a motorcycle might be the best choice for you. Cars can be expensive money traps, and are infamous for how they depreciate in value, so a motorcycle may be a better financial investment for you.

Cars are large, which is often a major downside when you’re trying to navigate busy roads. You also have to spend more time looking for parking spaces when driving a car, especially in busy areas where only street parking is available.

Cars damage the environment more than motorcycles. The Mythbusters proved that cars are less fuel-efficient, and more prone to producing harmful emissions, than motorcycles. If you are environmentally minded, the simple fact is that a car is a poor choice when compared to a motorcycle. While the difference is not significant enough to be the sole reason for a switch to a motorcycle, it’s definitely a factor you’re going to want to keep in mind.

Motorcycles

Motorcycles offer a driving experience unlike any other. You will be far more “in tune” with the road, and even the most basic of journeys can become exciting thanks to choosing a motorcycle as your form of transport.

Motorcycles are far more cost-effective than cars, and they also have fewer moving parts, which means you could save a lot of money on potential repair bills. While it depends on the model, it’s also worth noting that the insurance costs for motorcycles also tend to be lower than for cars, so you’ll save money on your monthly outgoings also.

You can use the roads more effectively. Roads may have been designed for cars, but the design also allows for motorcyclists to take advantage of shortcuts that cars can’t use. Motorcycles are small, compact, and narrow, so they can fit in places that cars can’t. This means you can skip past queues by riding between the cars, or grab a tiny parking spot that all the car owners have had to leave vacant. If you want to cut time off your journeys, then a motorcycle is always going to be the best vehicle for this purpose.

Cons

There’s no denying that motorcycles are somewhat riskier than cars. Sadly, drivers of other vehicles have poor habits when it comes to noticing, avoiding, and correctly interacting with motorcycles on the road. You may find yourself in an accident due to a driver’s carelessness, leaving you having to click here for legal advice and deal with the physical and financial ramifications of such an accident.

Motorcycles are not the best vehicles for commuting, unless you have a shower at your office. You’re going to have to wear a helmet, so your hair is going to be ruined, and wearing leathers over a business suit can be complicated and crease-inducing. If your commute is the primary reason you use your vehicle, you will need to consider this before buying a motorcycle.

Motorcycles can’t carry loads. This issue has a tendency to be a decider for many people. With a car, you have the entire trunk space plus the back seats to use for transporting goods. You can load your suitcase for a vacation with ease, or stack grocery bags up to the roof if you so desire. Additionally, if the car itself doesn’t provide enough space, you can affix a trailer with relatively little effort. Motorcycles simply don’t offer this flexibility. Yes, you can transport some loads, but you’re never going to have as much space available as you would in a conventional car.

In conclusion

Having read through the above, your mind might still be as fixated on the original vehicle choice that you intended to make– or you may find yourself intrigued by the possibilities of making the switch. If you fall into the latter category, take the time to truly consider the decision before you commit to your next purchase. You never know, a change of vehicle could be the perfect decision for you at this point in your life.

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Sanwal - Young Entrepreneur & Daydreamer. Working towards making the HatchByte group among the top online media publication in India.